from the editor · pipelines sept 2019 by chaz bowers, dean ([email protected]) i love the feeling...
TRANSCRIPT
Pipelines Sept 2019
Volume 100 Issue 1
Regina Kettering ([email protected])
Welcome to the start of the 100th volume of Pipelines! The 100th volume is a prelude to the 100th year of our chapter. We are already looking towards how to celebrate. If you are willing to help out and/or have ideas for next year’s programs, contact Chaz Bowers ([email protected]) or Ken Danchik ([email protected])
The next few issues will feature articles of conventions and travels, submitted by chapter members. This month’s feature is an overview of the Northeast Regional Convention, held in Buffalo/Niagra, NY, written byJeff Gray. All of the images in this issue were taken by Jeff during the convention. I had the pleasure of following his travels via Facebook whileattending the Mid-Atlantic Regional Convention. It was such a pleasure to see and hear so many organs in such a short amount of time.
If you have an article you want to have published, please submit a Word or Google document to [email protected]. Deadlines are the 10th of the month prior to publication.
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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Editor……………….. 1
Dean’s Notes…....………..…… 2
Sept Meeting………..……....… 3
2019-2020 Programs……….. 4
George Kohl Notice………….. 4
OAS Series……………………….. 5
Northeast Convention……… 6-7
John Walker Recap…………… 8
Al Sterner Notice……………… 8
Events………………………………. 9
Job Openings…………………... 9-10
Substitutes………………………. 10
Dinner RSVP……………………… 11
Contact the Editor: Regina
Kettering
Find us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pittsburghago/
https://www.facebook.com/OASPittsburgh/
For more information, see:
www.pitago.org
FROM THE EDITOR
Schroeder found in the stained glass of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Pipelines Sept 2019
by Chaz Bowers, Dean ([email protected])
I love the feeling that accompanies the beginning of a new academic year. After a summer of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation, it always feels good to get back into a routine and schedule. The beginning of a new year is a time to set new goals and start new projects. Even if you are not teaching in a classroom, we all serve as educators in some form or another, teaching our choirs and students, or even writing program and bulletin notes. I wish each of you the best of wishes as you embark on this years journey.
Likewise for our local guild, September marks some new beginnings. It is the beginning of a new program year and we launch our meetings with the installation of new officers. Please allow me to take this opportunity to formally invite each of you to St. Bernard Church for the Installation of Officers on Monday, September 30. On behalf of all of us, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to the program committee that assisted in planning the upcoming season: Ken Danchik, Harry Campbell, Christin Cooper, AnnLabounsky, and Aaron Sproul.
I would like to kindly encourage each of you to renew your commitment to the Pittsburgh Chapter this fall. In an age where everyone is over-committed and stretched in every direction, it is so important to come together with our colleagues to not only learn, but to be rejuvenated through the wonderful fraternity that our chapter members share. Please try to get these dates on your calendars and attend as often as you can. If your membership is lapsed, please take this opportunity to pay your dues and plan to join us this fall.
Also, on the note of new beginnings, I am thrilled to announce two new appointments to our chapter leadership:
First, as Reverend Cyril Hurnyak continues his recovery from a successful surgery, Fr. James J. Chepponis has agreed to serve as our interim chaplain. Fr. Chepponis hopes to attend our September executive committee meeting, as well as our monthly meetings beginning in October. Fr. Jim will be away on retreat with all of the priests of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh for their annual clergy retreat in September and therefore cannot attend our installation of officers. He is a highly sought after Roman Catholic composer, most commonly published through GIA and Morningstar, and is also the Director of the Diocesan Choir of Pittsburgh.On behalf of all of us, I wish to thank Fr. Jim and Fr. Cyril for their continued commitment to our chapter. We hope that Fr. Cyril will be able to rejoin us in January.
Second, I am pleased to announce that Tyler Randolph has agreed to serve as the Chair of the PittsburghOrgan Academy. Tyler completed his graduate studies at Duquesne University and received two Bachelor Degrees from Seton Hill University (one in music and one in theology). Tyler is the Director of Music at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Irwin, PA and is also a member of the Seton Hill University Chapter, where he serves on the executive board. Tyler teaches religion for Queen of Angels School in Irwin. I wish to thank both Tyler and Justin Wallace, outgoing Chair of the Pittsburgh Organ Academy, for their service to this important educational outreach of our chapter.
In a spirit of thanks, I wish to thank Doug Starr, our immediate past Dean, for his service to our chapter. I have found Doug to be such an incredible role model these past two years as Dean. I can’t put into words how much that I have enjoyed working alongside him. He, and all of the outgoing members of the executive committee and outgoing committees, deserve our greatest thanks.
Finally, I am delighted to report that our executive board, at their June meeting, approved devoting the 2020-2021 program year to celebrating our chapter’s 100th anniversary. More information on how you can be involved will be forthcoming.
I wish each and every one of you a wonderful upcoming year! See you on September 30!
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DEAN’S NOTES
Pipelines Sept 2019
September 30, 2019INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
St. Bernard Parish311 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
6:00 p.m. Appetizers in Clairvaux Hall6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Business Meeting7:50 p.m. Installation of Officers in Church
Dear Colleagues,
I hope that you have enjoyed a refreshing and relaxing summer and are eager to begin another great season of monthly guild meetings. The program committee has planned a year of exciting and informative meetings to inspire your creative music ministry!
All of our meetings begin with dinner at 6:30 PM, a business meeting at 7:30 PM, followed by the featured presentation at 7:45 PM. As always, you are encouraged to invite an organ or piano student, an organaficionado, a new organist or non-member to our meetings.
Soon, the planning committee will meet to consider events to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of our Pittsburgh AGO Chapter. If you have any suggestions or would like to be a member of this committee, please contact sub-dean Ken Danchik.
Chaz Bowers and Aaron Sproul graciously agreed to host our September meeting at the landmark Catholic Church of St. Bernard in Mt. Lebanon. Ample parking is available on the parish grounds. The dinner, catered by Bistro to Go, will take place in Clairvaux Hall directly below the church. The combined parish choir of St. Bernard and Our Lady of Grace will sing and will be accompanied by the Pittsburgh Brass Project and organ. Several organ students of Chaz Bowers from Seton Hill also will play on the church’s Casavant Organ. The service will be presided over by Parish Deacon Fred Eckhardt, and the installation of new officers will be led by immediate past Dean, Doug Starr.
As is our tradition, new and outgoing officers are invited to wear academic or liturgical regalia.Sincere thanks to our hosts for their hospitality, and to the program committee for sharing their ideas:
Chaz Bowers, Harry Campbell, Christin Cooper, Ann Labounsky, and Aaron Sproul.As summer comes to a close, and the goldenrod blooms in the fields, we all look forward to the coming
festivals and gatherings that unite us as friends and colleagues. Hope to see you at our monthly meetings and events sponsored by our colleagues.
Sincerely yours,Ken Danchik, Sub-Dean ([email protected])
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SEPTEMBER INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Pipelines Sept 2019
By Kenneth Danchik, FAGO, sub-dean ([email protected])
September 30, 2019Installation of OfficersSt. Bernard Parish311 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15216
October 28, 2019L’orgue Mystique of Charles TournemireSusan Ferré and Richard SpottsDuquesne University Chapel of the Holy SpiritMcAnulty Dr.Pittsburgh, PA 15282
November 25, 2019Handbell WorkshopNancy LutzMt. Lebanon United Methodist Church3319 West Liberty Ave.Pittsburgh, PA 15216
January 27, 2020Free and Easy--accessible organ music from IMSLP PetrucciPittsburgh AGO membersGlenshaw Presbyterian Church300 Glenn Ave.Glenshaw, PA 15116
February 24, 2020Organ Music of African American ComposersMickey Thomas TerrySt. Andrew Episcopal Church5801 Hampton St.Pittsburgh, PA 15206
March 23, 2020Keyboard Music of Bach on a Variety of Keyboard InstrumentsDon FranklinChurch of the Redeemer5700 Forbes AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15217
April 27, 2020Easter Hymn FestivalAlan Lewis and JonTyillianCalvary Episcopal Church315 Shady AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15206
May 18, 2020Organ Crawl to Youngstown and Warren OhioDetails will be forthcoming
Dinners will be provided by Bistro To Go, at $20 per person per meeting. Standing reservations are $120.00, and include September, November, January, February, March, and April meetings. Dinners for the October andMay meetings are separate.
It is with sadness that our Chapter has learned of the passing of Alfred George Kohl. Below is the Obituary thatappeared in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on June 9. May he rest in peace.
On June 5, 2019, age 84, of Lincoln Place. George was born in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Alfred and Marie (Doersch) Kohl. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force and the AGO (American Guild of Organists). George was a retired organist for many churches in the area. It was George's wish that his funeral be private. Arrangements entrusted to the GREEN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES OF LINCOLN PLACE.Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children - Erie, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.
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2019-2020 PROGRAMS
NUNC DIMITTIS – ALFRED GEORGE KOHL
Pipelines Sept 2019
Friday, October 4, 20197:30 pm
JANETTE FISHELLIndiana University
Co-presented withSaint Paul Cathedral ConcertSeriesSaint Paul CathedralFifth Avenue at Craig StreetPittsburgh, PA 15213
Sunday, November 24, 20193:00 pm
AARON TANWinner of the American Guild of OrganistsNational Young Artists Competition
Co-presented withMusic in a Great SpaceShadyside Presbyterian Church5121 Westminster PlacePittsburgh, PA 15232
Sunday, March 15, 20203:00 pm
PAUL JACOBSJuilliard School
Co-presented withMusic at WestminsterWestminster Presbyterian Church2040 Washington RoadPittsburgh, PA 15241
Friday, May 1, 20207:30 pm
DAMIN SPRITZERUniversity of Oklahoma
Co-presented withFriends of Music Guild ConcertSeriesSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church1066 Washington RoadMt. Lebanon, PA 15228
Please visit our website (www.organseries.com) to read more about each of our guest artists in the upcoming season. Individual concert tickets are $12 and student tickets are free with valid student identification. Season tickets are available for $36, 4 concerts for the price of 3!
We hope that you will consider supporting this fine season through the purchase of season tickets, program advertising, and financial support at whatever level you can afford. All of these things can be done either through the OAS website (www.organseries.com - click on the tickets or donations tabs). The deadline for ad copy is September 9, 2019. All contributors at the Krummhorn level will receive complimentary season tickets, as will those who purchase a full-page ad in the OAS program.
We look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will invite your friends to join you for this spectacular 41st season of organ concerts in Pittsburgh!
Cordially,Edward Alan Moore, DirectorCommittee Members: Mark A. Anderson, Gail M. Henry, Sara Kyle,Alan Lewis, J. Barbara McKelway, Matthew Radican, Jon TyillianEx Officio Members: Douglas Starr, Chaz Bowers, Aaron Sproul, Keith Wannamaker
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OAS CONCERT SERIES ENTERS 41st SEASON
Pipelines Sept 2019
Buffalo/Niagara NNw NNork, Nuul Ng-4 N2,0g9
I chose to attend this year’s Northeast Regional Convention rather than our own Mid-Atlantic Regional for several reasons. First, it was closer – Bufalo is a ere 3-1/2 hour drive fro Pittsburgh, vs. well over 5 hours to New Jersey. Second, our oldest son lives in North East, PA, about 1-1/2 hours fro the
convention, and July 3rd was his birthday…so I would have a chance to spend it with hi on their sailboaton Lake Erie. Third, the artists who were to play were top-notch. And fnally…wingss
I left y church right after our orning service and headed north. There was a pre-convention event at the beautiful Chautauqua Institution. At 4:15 PM, the choir of Bufalo’s West inster Presbyterian Church sang Choral Evensong in the Hall of Christ, which was followed by a splendid recitalby Joshua Staford on the Massey Organ in the A phitheater.
The Regional Qui by Young Organist Co petition was held Monday orning at First Presbyterian, and the convention’s beautiful opening service was held at St. Louis Ro an Catholic Church, with organist Jiaqi Shao playing the 3- anual 1903 Ki ball organ, and the Vocális Cha ber Choir singing the service. The service featured a co issioned anthe (Ocean of Light, by Carson P. Coo an). Following the service, we headed to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House. “Dinner on our own” found e boarding Bufalo’s MetroRail northbound to the Anchor Bar – the establish ent where Bufalo Wings originateds Monday evening was one of the
true highlights of a week of outstanding usic: Nathan Laube playing a brilliant recital on the 93-rank 1876 E. & G.G. Hook & Hastings organs Wows Bravos And every other co pli entary word I can think ofs
After Tuesday orning’s workshops (I attended the choral reading session), we boarded busses for
A Festival of Psalms at Te ple Beth Zion. Stephen Price was organist for this service, and did a very nice job on the 3- anual 48-rank Casavant fro 1969. The convention goers then walked a couple of blocks toWest inster Presbyterian Church for a boxed lunch on the lawn, which was followed by a recital perfor ed beautifully by Michael Hey on the church’s Aeolian-Skinner Organ, installed in 1958. We then walked (or bussed) to First Presbyterian on Sy phony Circle for the Qui by Co petition winner’s recitalby Eddie Zheng. The church houses a 4- anual Robert Noehren instru ent built in 1970. Following the recital was an afternoon of free ti e, with any optional tours of the area available. Most of us walked across Sy phony Circle to tour the acoustically excellent Kleinhans Music Hall, ho e of the Bufalo Philhar onic Orchestra. I chose not to go on the harbor boat tour and dinner, and instead had an excellent Italian feast at Badda Bing Bar & Grill, a few blocks fro the hotel.
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NORTHEAST REGIONAL CONVENTION
Organ at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church.
Pipelines Sept 2019
Tuesday evening brought us a light-heartedbreak – a theater organ concert at the Shea’sCenter for the Perfor ing Arts. Think Benedu Center with gaudiness on steroids, housing a arvelously-restored 4- anual WurliTzer theaterorgan dating fro 1926. Richard Hills was theorganist for the evening, and the concert was heldin conjunction with the A erican Theatre OrganSociety (ATOS), whose annual convention was beingheld concurrently in nearby Rochester NY.
Wednesday was y last day at theconvention, and on the way to the frst event, I ca eacross the Lake Efect Diner – a classic stainlesssteel beauty. SO I had to stop for breakfast therebefore heading to the Morning Service of Lessons
and Carols for the Liturgical Year at UniversityPresbyterian Church. Garrett Martin played the church’s 2001 3- anual Kegg organ. Following the service, it was of to the Slee Concert Hall on the north ca pus of the State University of New York at Bufalo. There, Katelyn E erson played an outstanding recital on the thrilling C. B. Fisk, Opus 95, installed in 1989-90. After another box lunch eaten on the ca pus, we then headed to the Burchfeld Penney Art Center for a wonderful choral concert by the Har onia Cha ber Singers, directed by Robert
Duerr. Following this concert, it was of to North East PA to celebrate y son’s 33rd birthday.
I couldn’t stick around for Chelsea Chen’s concert at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (on the 2016, 5- anual 151-rank Parsons Pipe Organ), or the Bufalo Bison’s baseball ga e that night. The convention wrapped up with a busy day on the Fourth of July, with workshops, a hy n festival, a cha ber concert and recitals by Judy Congdon and David Higgs. If these re aining progra s were anything like the frst three days, they were spectaculars
As one always does at AGO conventions, I renewed acquaintances with friends et at Guild functions and previous conventions, and ade any news ones fro outside of our own regions If I read correctly, our next Mid-Atlantic regional will be a “joint convention” with the Northeast Region folks in the White Plains, NY areas I look forward to attending that ones
Kudos to the Bufalo and Niagara chapters for putting on an outstanding conventions
Jef Gray
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Consol of the Wurlitzer at Shea's Center.
Organ at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Pipelines Sept 2019
Another Day and, thanks to you, many dollars for AGO, and More!
On April 26th, this Chapter and our Organ Artist Series had the honor to host and produce the 2019 AGO Endowment Fund Distinguished Artist Recital and Gala Reception featuring honoree and recitalist Dr. John Walker. Months prior, OAS and a Chapter committee led by Linda Everhart started a campaign to promote the free recital and the ticketed reception that followed John’s recital at Shadyside Presbyterian. For us in Pittsburgh, it was a loving homecoming and, for AGO national, it was the most successful recital and Galabenefit reception to date.
Soon after these events, AGO President James Thomashower reported these historical measures: 1) over 500 attended the recital, the largest attendance in history; 2) over 200 attended the Gala benefit reception, the largest ever, and; 3) with program gifts and advertising at over $55,000, we helped to achieve the highest fund amount ever raised for the AGO’s educational endowment.
The AGO’s Director of Development, Tony Thurman, told Linda Everhart that the Pittsburgh chapter came forward to support the Gala at an unprecedented level, setting a new bar for chapter participation in these annual fundraisers. The dedicated leaders of OAS and their constituent audience were clear partners in these successes. Linda adds, “I think everyone who attended was inspired and filled with pride that evening when we had a chance to honor and recognize one of ‘our own’ as the AGO’s Distinguished Artist of 2019. Thank you for your part in making it an unforgettable evening.”
Two weeks after the event, a humble and delighted John Walker said, “My deep and sincere gratitude to each of you for your inspired and effective work to generate the large audience and tremendous spirit which prevailed both at the recital and the reception afterward.”
On behalf of the Chapter and its Organ Artist Series, Jeff Gray designed an unusually effective and idiosyncratic recital program advertisement that did not go unnoticed by John, as he commented, “I am deeply grateful to the Pittsburgh Chapter for the "Very Special Dear John Letter" which appeared in the program booklet. My special thanks for placing that clever message 'n at!”
With all these wonderful and historical measures of success, another outcome is clear. Our Pittsburgh Chapter’s organizations and team work effort have put us into the center of national visibility in the AGO. John’s closing quip has the added virtue of being true; “Having achieved this great success, the AGO will doubtless be requiring your service as party-givers for chapters throughout the entire nation!”
Congratulations, everyone, on a job well done!
Doug Starr
It is with sadness that our chapter has learned of the passing of Alan Sterner, Western Pennsylvanian Organ Builder, on July 1st. While Al was not a member of our chapter, he was responsible for the maintenance and construction of so many of the instruments that faithfully serve our membership and their congregations in worship each and every week. Many of us have been gifted by his work and his generosity.
Al had no living family and is survived only by his colleagues, Ray Colby and Barb Soltesz, along with countless friends and customers. Ray Colby plans to continue the business and to finish all of the pending projects. The Seton Hill University Chapter is planning to have a concert and service in memory of Al in the months to come.
Curt Scheib of IUP remarked, "[Al's] voice will certainly live on in the many instruments he built." May he rest in peace.
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NUNC DIMITTIS – ALAN STERNER
AGO ENDOWMENT RECITAL
Pipelines Sept 2019
Date Event
11 Sept7:30 PM
Gonville and Caius College Choir - St. Anne Church will present a concert by the Gonville and Caius College Choir from Cambridge, England. Proceeds benefiting the St. Anne Organ Renovation Project. The Gonville and Caius College Choir is one of the UK's leading college choirs, and travels extensively abroad, performing at a variety of venues ranging from major concert halls to universities, cathedrals and churches in Europe, America and Asia, often in connection with other professional ensembles such as Opera Northern Ireland, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra of San Francisco, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine. For tickets ($30) and other information, please contact the St. Paul of the Cross Parish Office 412-531-5964, or Brendan Lowery [email protected].
29 Sept3:00 PM
Pittsburgh Camerata Presents "A Whitman Sampler" - Under the direction of Artistic Director Mark A.Anderson, the Pittsburgh Camerata will sing a program comprised of choral settings of the poetry of WaltWhitman. It has been suggested that Walt Whitman’s poetry has been set to music more than that of anyother American poet except for Emily Dickinson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Whitman’s poetry celebrates democracy, nature, love, and friendship. Tickets may be purchased online at www.pittsburghcamerata.org or at the door. Shadyside Presbyterian Church, 5121 Westminster Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-682-4300 www.shadysidepres.org [email protected]
29 Sept3:00 PM
Dedicatory Organ Concert - Organ Concert by Bradley A. Fitch, to dedicate the newly-installed Johannus Sweelinck 20 organ in the sanctuary. Free-will offering accepted. Reception afterwards. Mount Lebanon Christian Church, 367 Cedar Boulevard, Mount Lebanon PA 15228 412-965-3827 [email protected]
4 Oct4:00 PM
Organ Artist Series - Organist Janette Fishell in concert. St. Paul Cathedral, 108 N. Dithridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-621-6082 http://stpaulpgh.org/ [email protected]
Jon Tyillian – Coordinator ([email protected] or [email protected])
Director, Grouping 101 City Center - The parish seeks n individual to direct and lead sacred music for liturgies at Epiphany and St. Mary of Mercy Parishes. Applications should be submitted to Cindy at [email protected].
Organist - Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church Organist needed for Sunday traditional service with Thursday rehearsal. Organist will work to plan music with the choir director. Potential duties directing a handbell choir. Part time, approximately 6-7 hours per week. Additional details available for qualified candidates. Please forward inquiries and resume to business@pleasanthillschurch.
Organist/Accompanist - Grace Lutheran Church, Wheeling, WV Part-time position with one Sunday morning service each week, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, and Wednesday evening Lent and Advent services. Position does not include any choir leadership responsibilities other than accompanying, with a Sunday morning rehearsal with the choir and director. The organ is a newly rebuilt (2016-17), 39 rank, 4 manual plus pedal combined Kilgen-Schantz. Position could be expanded to include Director of Music responsibilities basedon candidates interest and experience. Competitive salary based on candidate’s education and experience with generous vacation and leave package and professional allowance. Interested applicants should send a
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EVENTS
POSITIONS AND SUBSTITUTES